Monday, January 16, 2006

Cora, Cora, Cora

Cora, Cora, CoraAlex Cora isn’t going to confuse anybody with Alex Rodriguez. He has never hit more than ten homers in a season, or scored or driven in more than 47 runs. He has 25 career stolen bases, and the only way he’s going to Cooperstown is by privately owned vehicle.That doesn’t make him chopped liver, though. Last year he flashed some leather, showed flashes of power, and solid fundamental play (bunts, hit and run, etc.) that earned him some respect from local fans. Does he deserve first crack at the everyday shortstop position? Cora’s .659 OPS isn’t terrific, but neither is another Alex’s, Alex Gonzalez at .692. Cora’s not going to break the bank, and he has a head start on the roster- he knows at least half the team already. Boston Dirt Dogs doesn’t have any earth-shattering free agent news on the radar, although suggests that Theo Epstein may be working in Dark Ops for Mr. Henry. Theo probably didn’t have to remove the Red Sox logo from his cellphone, and surely has every key player in Major League Baseball (his Lucchinholiness aside) on his phone dialer. The centerfield pickings remain pretty slim, and I’m arguing for giving the organizational leftovers, Justin Sherrod the first crack. Sherrod is solid defensively and could provide occasional power. He’ll come cheap, and the Sox will need every dollar to devote to what ultimately wins championships, pitching. Jeremy Reed doesn’t have any special qualities on his resume’, and the Sox shouldn’t be held hostage by Seattle. Heck, they’re the ones desperate for good news after 26 consecutive days of rain. Trading Manny for some underwhelming package that doesn’t bring value just creates a hole in left-field, and we saw David Ortiz become a walk machine absent Manny’s protection. By the way, did you know that Ortiz led the league in extra base hits the last two years? It must be his deceptive speed.